Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford told a clergy group Wednesday that he was disappointed more churches didn't support his sackcloth and ashes prayer rally in April.

He also criticized churches for preaching a prosperity gospel instead of biblical repentance.

"We have stopped preaching a healthy fear of God," Langford said. "People are preaching that God wants you all rich. That's the biggest lie I've ever heard. The Bible says the poor will be with you always."

Instead, church members are trying to make their members feel good about themselves while shirking their godly duties, he said. "It's a feel-good ministry; it's a feel-good church."

Langford spoke to a meeting of the Metro-Birmingham Evangelical Ministers Association, an interdenominational clergy group formed earlier this year. They met at the Lovelady Center, a women's shelter and rehabilitation center in East Lake.

"I really think he's called the church to repentance," said the Rev. Mike McLemore, president of the clergy group and director of the Birmingham Baptist Association, after the mayor's speech. "He's serious about prayer."

Langford said the city should be having three prayer rallies a year, and he challenged the churches to begin organizing them. "We have to acknowledge God's rightful place," he said.